When UK businesses shop around for energy supply, it’s essential to understand not just the headline rates but also the structure of the contract, hidden costs, risk exposures and how the tariff type ties into business usage patterns. In this article we review the business propositions from Corona Energy: their pricing, tariff options, key terms and what UK businesses should look out for.
Who is Corona Energy?
Corona is an independent UK business energy supplier specialising in commercial gas and electricity. According to comparison sources they serve a substantial number of industrial and commercial customers. Key features of their business-offering:
- They offer both gas and electricity supply for small/medium enterprises (SMEs) through to large multi-site and corporate portfolios.
- They emphasise flexible contract options (fixed and variable) and allied services (account management, online portal, consumption monitoring) tailored to business users.
- They provide a green/renewable energy product (see below for fuel-mix).
So if you are a UK business, Corona is a credible supplier with a suite aimed at business clients rather than households.
Tariff types: fixed, flexible/pass-through and “deemed/out-of-contract”
Understanding the type of contract is crucial because pricing, risk and transparency differ significantly.
Fixed-rate contracts
These are where the unit rate (pence/kWh) and often standing charges are locked in for the term (1, 2 or 3 years typically). One broker summarises: “The unit rate stays the same for the entire contract … price certainty: it helps you plan your energy costs better.”
Pros: budget certainty; less exposure to wholesale price shocks.
Cons: if market prices fall you may be paying above what you could get; also fixed contracts may still carry “pass-through” costs (see below) so not totally locked.
Flexible / pass-through / semi-fixed contracts
These allow more exposure to market movements. In broad terms:
- Pass-through contracts hand over network, distribution, government levy costs onto the customer rather than embedding them in the unit rate.
- Flexible contracts allow the unit rate to vary over time, sometimes monthly or quarterly, according to wholesale/industry cost changes.
Pros: potential to benefit when costs fall; more flexibility.
Cons: risk of unit rates rising; harder to budget long term.
Deemed / out-of-contract rates
These apply where a business has no negotiated supply contract in place—for example when a contract expires and no new deal is agreed, or when a business moves in and starts supply without a contract.
For Corona:
- “Out‐of-contract” (OOC) rates: when your contract expires and you haven’t switched or renewed.
- “Deemed” rates: likewise default higher rates when no formal contract is in place.
These tend to be much more expensive. One analysis notes: “Both assumed 2-3× more expensive than negotiated contract rates.” So avoiding being on a deemed/out-of-contract rate should be a priority for any business.
Corona Energy business tariffs price list
| Business size | Electricity (fixed contract) | Gas (fixed contract) | Standing charge (electricity) | Standing charge (gas) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small business (0–50 MWh/year) | 15.8 p/kWh | 4.2 p/kWh | £1.20 /day | £1.05 /day | Based on 1-year fixed SME tariff; typical of shops, cafés, or small offices. |
| Medium business (50–500 MWh/year) | 14.7 p/kWh | 3.9 p/kWh | £2.10 /day | £2.45 /day | Based on 2-year fixed rate; negotiated via broker or directly with Corona. |
| Large business (500 MWh +) | 13.9 p/kWh | 3.6 p/kWh | £5.85 /day | £6.20 /day | Indicative corporate contract rate with flexible purchasing options. |
| Out-of-contract (default) | 37.0 p/kWh | 6.1 p/kWh | £3.09 /day | £7.08 /day | Published Corona out-of-contract rates (October 2025); avoid where possible. |
| 100 % renewable option (ECOrona) | +0.5 p/kWh premium | +0.2 p/kWh premium | Same as above | Same as above | Adds Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates. |
Important context:
- Rates exclude VAT (20 %) and Climate Change Levy (CCL) where applicable.
- Actual prices vary by region, meter type (HH or non-HH) and contract length.
- Flexible/pass-through contracts may show lower base unit rates but pass additional network and levy costs separately.
Sample pricing and what it means for your business
Here are some recent published rates and how to interpret them.
Deemed / out-of-contract rates (Corona)
From Corona’s published data:
- Electricity (Non Half-Hourly): From 1 Oct 2025 the unit rate is 37.04 p/kWh and standing charge £3.09/day.
- Electricity (Half-Hourly): From 1 Oct 2025 unit rate 35.86 p/kWh, standing charge £11.36/day.
- Gas: For Band 1 (<73,200 kWh) unit rate 6.12 p/kWh, standing charge £7.08/day. (This is earlier data, but gives order of magnitude)
These show that if you’re on a default tariff you may be paying high standing charges plus high unit rates—and some network costs may be passed through on top.
General tariff price bands
While contract-specific fixed offers fluctuate, one guide suggested that typical fixed rates for a business might be in the region of:
- Electricity: c. £0.15/kWh (15p) for 1-yr fixed.
- Gas: c. £0.04/kWh (4p) for similar term.
Note: These are illustrative and depend heavily on usage band, meter type, contract length and market conditions.
Fuel mix and green tariff
Corona’s published fuel mix for the period 01/04/2023-31/03/2024:
- Coal: 11.2%
- Natural Gas: 56.4%
- Nuclear: 2.9%
- Renewables: 24.7%
- Other: 4.8%
They also offer a 100% renewable product (“ECOrona”) with zero fossil component.
Businesses with sustainability targets may find this appealing.
Key features and services for businesses
Beyond pricing, Corona offers a number of services that UK businesses should note:
- Account management & online portal: Corona’s “myCorona” account enabling consumption tracking.
- Multi-site/portfolio support: For larger businesses or those with multiple premises, they offer consolidated billing and strategy support.
- Smart/AMR (automated meter reading) support: Especially for commercial/industrial usage, helps accuracy and control.
- Risk-management advisory: Particularly for flexible contracts, they claim to assist with market intelligence and cost strategy.
These features matter because the cheapest unit rate isn’t always best if other costs are unpredictable, billing is unclear or management services are weak.
Things to watch and questions to ask
When considering Corona (or any energy supplier) for your business, here are important considerations:
- What is included in the unit rate and standing charge?
As Corona’s cost breakdown shows, your invoice will comprise: wholesale market costs; environmental/levy costs; network charges (DUoS, TNUoS); meter operating costs; supplier operating costs.
Be sure to clarify what is “pass-through” (i.e., variable) and what is included at the fixed rate. - What happens if you let the contract lapse?
Deemed or out-of-contract tariffs can cost significantly more. Ask what your rate will revert to and ensure you don’t simply roll onto a default. - Meter type and usage banding
For example, half-hourly metering typically has higher standing charges but may enable more granular monitoring or shifting of load. Usage bands on gas (for large volumes) also determine standing charges. - Contract length vs flexibility
Longer fixed contracts offer stability but reduce ability to benefit from falling prices; shorter/flexible contracts allow opportunity but carry risk. Also check if there are exit penalties or price re-opener clauses. - Renewable/green options
If sustainability is in your business agenda, check for a genuine green product (e.g., ECOrona) and what premium (if any) is being paid. Also check the supplier’s declared fuel mix. - Service and billing transparency
Good service means accurate monthly bills, timely support, clear portal, and easy switching if needed. Corona positions itself with strong business support.
Is Corona Energy a good choice for UK businesses?
In summary: yes, potentially—but as with all business energy deals it depends on your usage profile, risk appetite, meter setup and contract timing.
Pros:
- Solid business-oriented supplier with multi-site capability and modern services.
- Clear tariff options (fixed, flexible) and published transparency.
- Renewable option available for businesses with ESG goals.
- Often competitive contract rates compared to default/high OOC tariffs.
Cons / things to watch:
- If you end up on a deemed or out-of-contract rate you’ll likely overpay; diligence required.
- Contract length, exit clauses and pass-through costs may reduce the apparent “fixed” nature.
- Unit rates vary significantly depending on usage band and meter type—what’s good for one business may not suit another.
- Market volatility means even “good” fixed rates need aligning to your business profile and consumption forecasts.
Practical steps for your business
If you’re considering (or already using) Corona Energy, here is a practical checklist:
- Audit your current energy usage: annual consumption (kWh) for gas and electricity, meter type (non-HH vs half-hourly), number of sites.
- Review your current contract status: when it ends? Are you locked into a fixed rate? Is it about to roll to “out-of-contract”?
- Request a quote from Corona: ask for both fixed and flexible options, show them your usage profile and ask for details of standing charge vs unit rate, pass-through costs, etc.
- Compare with other suppliers: Don’t just accept one quote. Business energy is competitive and switching may save you materially.
- Check every term: exit fee, meter change cost, what happens to network/levy costs, renewal process, portal access, support.
- Consider your risk tolerance: If you want predictability go for fixed; if you are comfortable with volatility and want to gamble for better rates go flexible—but set a cap.
- Align to your sustainability goals: If you require 100 % renewable supply, ask specifically for the “green” tariff and check fuel mix.
- Keep track of contract end date: Mark in your diary ahead of expiry to avoid being moved to a costly out-of-contract rate.
- Monitor your usage and bills: Make sure your invoice aligns with consumption trends; portal access and AMR are helpful here.
- Review annually: Markets shift, your business usage may change, and renegotiation can yield savings.
Final thoughts – Corona Energy pricing review
For UK businesses looking for a competent supplier, Corona Energy offers a credible proposition: a blend of business-tailored services, tariff flexibility, green options and transparency. However, the devil remains firmly in the detail. Pricing varies with contract type, meter arrangement and usage band—and the difference between a well-negotiated fixed tariff and a default/out-of-contract rate can be significant.
If you’re considering Corona, treat it like any major business procurement: gather quotes, compare options, scrutinise terms, and align the contract to your specific usage profile and risk appetite. Done well, you could secure stable pricing and strong service. Done poorly, you may end up paying more than you should.
FAQ
Corona Energy bases its electricity prices on wholesale market rates plus fixed network, environmental, and operating charges. For example, electricity might cost around 14–16 p/kWh on fixed terms, depending on contract length. Network and levy costs typically account for about 45 % of the total price businesses pay.
Corona Energy offers contract terms starting from 12 months, extending up to 36 months. A one-year deal may cost roughly 15.8 p/kWh for electricity, whereas a three-year deal might average closer to 14.2 p/kWh. Early termination before the end date can incur charges equal to around 10 % of the remaining value.
Corona Energy provides most smart and AMR meters free for businesses using more than 100,000 kWh annually. Smaller users may face a setup fee of about £85 per meter. Maintenance and communication costs are then included in the daily standing charge, typically between £1 and £2 per day.
Late payment charges usually apply at 8 % above the Bank of England base rate, plus a one-off admin fee of £40–£70 depending on the amount owed. For example, a £2,000 invoice paid 30 days late could attract roughly £13 interest plus the flat fee.
Yes. Corona Energy gives portfolio clients up to 5 % off unit rates when annual consumption exceeds 1 GWh. Multi-site accounts can also consolidate billing under one contract. For instance, a chain using 2.5 GWh per year might reduce costs by about £1,500–£2,000 annually compared with separate contracts.
Corona Energy’s “ECOrona” tariff supplies 100 % renewable power backed by Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates. The premium is typically +0.5 p/kWh for electricity and +0.2 p/kWh for gas. A small office using 30,000 kWh per year would pay about £150 extra annually for the renewable option.
Businesses must usually provide at least 30 days’ written notice before the contract end date. If no notice is given, Corona may apply deemed rates around 37 p/kWh for electricity or 6.1 p/kWh for gas. Missing the renewal window by a month could double total energy costs.
Yes. Regional distribution charges vary by 2–4 p/kWh depending on the location. For instance, London and the South East tend to be about 3 p/kWh higher than the North West. A business in Manchester paying 14.7 p/kWh might see 17.5 p/kWh in Brighton under identical terms.